Good news for business: The Citrix® Receiver for the BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet (Citrix Receiver) is now available for beta testing. Download it today from the Test Center on the BlackBerry App World™ storefront.

The Citrix Receiver is enterprise virtualization software that allows users to access virtual desktops (such as Citrix® XenDesktop) on servers running Microsoft® Windows, plus enterprise applications hosted within your organization to allow standalone app virtualization. With the Citrix Receiver, users can open: (1) any Windows software that’s installed on the server you’re accessing; (2) Software as a Service (SaaS), or (3) a web app.( I’m personally looking forward to using the Microsoft® Office® suite and Microsoft® Outlook® via the Citrix Receiver, as well as the Adobe® Creative Suite® of products.) Check out more important features below:

1. Multitasking

The Citrix Receiver for the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet provides the functionality to multitask between virtualized applications and desktops, as well as between multiple desktops themselves – all from within the app. From a user perspective, this is similar to the multi-tab browsing experience on the BlackBerry PlayBook browser. Users will be able to work like they do on a desktop or laptop with multiple applications running simultaneously, but do so remotely from the BlackBerry tablet.

2. Single “Sign On” Access

When accessing Windows, web and SaaS apps, users won’t need to login multiple times to gain access. Instead, there’s a single “sign on” access point during the launch of the app that provides full access to virtual apps and desktops.

3. IT-Controlled Built In Enterprise App Hosting

When implemented, the IT department can host an app server (such as Citrix® XenApp) and allow end users to select apps to use via the Citrix Receiver from this server; much like they would select apps from the BlackBerry App World. This self-service access to enterprise apps gives users even more flexibility when working with the Citrix Receiver.

4. Peripheral Integration in High Definition

Does your staff often use a “hoteling” station or home office? If so, it’s simple to pair a PlayBook with a Bluetooth® keyboard and mouse and connect an HD monitor via HDMI cable, and they’ll have full access to your remote desktop and apps. When it’s time to leave, the peripherals stay behind while the PlayBook slips into a coat pocket or purse. This gives your mobile workforce improved portability, boot-up time, and battery life compared with a laptop-based solution – with minimal compromise on functionality.

Availability

The beta release of the Citrix Receiver is available for download now on the BlackBerry App World Test Center. For more information, check out the Citrix Blog post on the new Receiver.

We’d love to hear how your business will use the Citrix Receiver for BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. Drop us a comment below.